Buick Encore vs Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Lexus RX leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Buick Encore
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 47 configurations
2015–2026
Lexus RX
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 59 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Buick Encore | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 30 mpg | 37 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg | 34 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,000 ✓ | $2,100 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 288 g/mi | 89 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5 |
| Transmissions | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 47 | 59 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Encore vs RX: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Buick Encore or the Lexus RX?
The Lexus RX is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Buick Encore, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Buick Encore runs about $2,000 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,100 for the Lexus RX — a difference of roughly $100 per year.
What engines do the Encore and RX offer?
Buick Encore: SIDI, SIDI; FFV, 1.4, SIDI; Stop-Start. Lexus RX: SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI; PHEV, 3.5.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Buick Encore as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and the Lexus RX as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Encore comparisons
Comparison id: buick-encore-vs-lexus-rx